Pomegranate
Fruit-bearing deciduous shrub / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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The pomegranate (Punica granatum) is a fruit-bearing deciduous shrub in the family Lythraceae, subfamily Punicoideae, that grows between 5 and 10 m (16 and 33 ft) tall. The pomegranate is rich in symbolic and mythological associations in many cultures.
Pomegranate | |
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Fruit of Punica granatum split open to reveal clusters of seeds with sarcotesta on the inside, and a glass of juice | |
Scientific classification | |
Kingdom: | Plantae |
Clade: | Tracheophytes |
Clade: | Angiosperms |
Clade: | Eudicots |
Clade: | Rosids |
Order: | Myrtales |
Family: | Lythraceae |
Genus: | Punica |
Species: | P. granatum |
Binomial name | |
Punica granatum | |
Synonyms[2] | |
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The pomegranate is thought to have originated from Afghanistan and Iran before being introduced and exported to other parts of Asia, Africa, and Europe.[4][5][6] It was introduced into Spanish America in the late 16th century and into California by Spanish settlers in 1769.[7] They are widely cultivated throughout West Asia and Caucasus region, South Asia, Central Asia, north and tropical Africa, the drier parts of Southeast Asia, and the Mediterranean Basin.[7] The fruit is typically in season in the Southern Hemisphere from March to May, and in the Northern Hemisphere from September to February.[8][9]
As intact sarcotestas or as juice, pomegranates are used in baking, cooking, juice blends, meal garnishes, smoothies, and alcoholic beverages, such as cocktails and wine.